1995 CADILLAC DEVILLE brake

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS.
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is
about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each
front wheel
and at the rear wheels.
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver
could. The computer
is programmed to make the most of available tire
and road conditions.
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You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and
controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time
you need to get your foot
up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you,
you won't have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or
stops. Always leave e.nough room up ahead to stop, even though you have
anti-lock brakes.
To Use Anti-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and fet anti-lock
work for
you. You may hear the anti-lock pump or motor operate, and
feel the brake pedal pulsate,
but this is normal.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Traction Control System
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Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel spin. This is
especially useful in slippery road conditions. The system operates only if it
senses that one or both of ihc front wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system works the front brakes and
reduces engine power (by shutting
off fuel injectors) to limit wheel spin.
The TRACTION
ACTIVE message will display on the Driver
Information Center when the traction control
system is limiting wheel
spin. See “Driver Information Center Messages” in the Index. You may
feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal.
If
your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction control svstem begins
to limit wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically disengage. When
road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may re-engage the
cruise control. (See “Cruise Control”
in the Index.)
The TRACTION DISABLED message will display on the Driver
Information Center to
let you know if there‘s a problem with your traction
control system. See “Driver Information Center Messages”
in the Index.
When this message is displaved, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on whenever you start
your vehicle.
To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions,
you should always leave the svstem on. But you can turn the traction
control system
off if you ever-need to. (You should turn the system off if
your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow. See “Rocking Your
Vehicle’’
in the Index.)
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To turn the system off, press the button labeled TRAC OFF located inside
of
the glove box. The TRACTION OFF message will display on the
Driver Information Center.
If the system is limiting wheel spin when you
press the button, the system won’t iurn off right away. It will wait until
there’s no longer a current need to limit wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the button again.
The TRACTION ON nmsage will display briefly on thc Driver
Information Center.
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Braking in Emergencies
Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock. you
can steer and brake at the same time. In nlanv cmergencics. steering can
help you more than even the very best braking.
STEEMNG
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is
not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For
example,
you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a
car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right
in front of you. You can avoid these problems
by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can’t; there isn’t
room. That’s the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem.
Your Cadillac can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply
your brakes. It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a
possible
collision. Then steer around the problem, td the left or right
depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If
you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, you can turn
it a full 180 degrees very quickly without renmving
either hand.
But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly
straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object,
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The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good
reason to practice defensive driving at
all times and wear safety belts
properly.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 0 Don't overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the
brake lamps are not flashing,
it may be slowing down or starting to turn,
0 If you're being passed, make it easv for the following driver to get
ahead
of you. Perhaps you can easi a little to the right.
LOSS OF CONTROL
Let's review what driving experts sav about what happens when the three
control svstems (brakes, steering an> acceleration)
don't have enough
friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek
an escape route or area of less danger.
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid
most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by
not "overdriving" those conditions.
But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your Cadillac's three control
systems.
In the braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or
cornering skid, too much speed or steering
in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And
in the acceleration skid too much throttle
causes
the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
If your traction control system
is off? then an acceleration skid is also best
handled by easing your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and
quickly steer
the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering
quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid
if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material
is on the road. For safety, you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to
slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try Vour best to avoid
sudden steering, acceleration?
or braking (including engine braking by
shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surfdce is slippery until your vehicle is
skidding.
Leain to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water, ice or
packed snow on the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow down
when
you have any doubt.
Remember:
Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the
braking L. skid.
DRIVING AT NIGHT
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some
drivers are likely to be impaired -- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems,
or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
0 Drive defensively.
0 Don’t drink and drive.
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HILL AND MOUNTMN ROADS
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Driving on steep hills or mountains is different from driving in flat or
rolling terrain.
If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you’re planning to visit there?
here are
some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable.
0 Keep your vchicle in good shape. Check all fluid levels and also the
brake;. tires. cooling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard
on mountain roads.
Know how to go down hills. The most important thing to know is this:
let your engine do some of the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear
when
you go down a steep or long hill.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine It's important to have the correct hitch equipment. Crosswinds, large
trucks
going by, and rough roads are a few reasons why you'll need the
right hitch. Here are some rules
to follow:
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your vehicle when you
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then be sure tokal the holes later
when you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them? deadly carbon
monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get into your vehicle (see
"Carbon Monoxide'? in the Index). Dirt al~d water can, too.
The bumpers on your vehicle are not intended for hitches. Do not
attach rental hitches or other bumper-type hitches to them. Use only a
frame-nwuntcd hitch that does not attach to the bumper.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle and your trailer.
Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of the trailer so that the tongue
will not drop to the road if it becomes separated from the hitch.
Instructions about safety chains
may be provided by thc hitch
manufacturer or
by the trai1c1- manufacturer. Follow the manufacturer's
recommendation
for attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the
bumper. Always 1e;we just enough slack so VOLI can turn with your rig. U
And, never allow safety chains to drag OII the ground.
Trailer Brakes
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